Fredrick Douglass 1830-1850

Criticism of America and his Goals:

Born as a slave in 1818, Fredrick Douglass knew all to well all the horrors of slavery. He was a public speaker and traveled to England, Ireland and Scotland to proclaim equality of all people. He fought for equal rights among African Americans, Women and Native Americans as well. He was quoted saying, “I would unite with anybody to do right and with nobody to do wrong.”

The Methods he used:

After escaping from slavery, Douglass traveled up to Massachusetts. He attended and spoke regularly at abolitionist meetings. He told about his personal experiences with slavery and the way his master had treated him. He also was a part of the Anti-Slavery Society’s hundred convention project. Where he toured and spoke all over the U.S. and also defended women’s rights.

Evaluation of Successes:

Fredrick Douglass was extremely successful in his attempts with equal rights, especially those that dealt with slavery. He gained much needed support and money from his tours and also from his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass, an American Slave. In Great Britain he met with and Thomas Clarkson, whom convinced Parliament to abolish slavery. Douglass also believed that African Americans should be educated in the public schools and there should not be segregation.

Practicality of Goals in this time period:

Abolishment of Slavery was defiantly a new idea for southerners. But for the time period that Douglass and so many other reformers have lived in, seemed to be the perfect time. The goals for women’s rights and abolishment of slavery were in the makings but did not completely follow through until after the Civil War and into the 20th Century. But thanks to many reformers, such as Fredrick Douglass they defiantly left their mark and made an impact for these problems to be solved.
Ways President could assist in goals:
The president could have abolished slavery all together. Second, the president could have made schools less segregated and allowed African Americans to attend public schools. The president could have also assisted in Women’s Rights and funded organizations to do so.

References:
William Lloyd Garrison- Was an extreme anti-slavery speaker. He inspired Douglass to speak and give lectures. He too was equally impressed with Douglass and mentioned him in the magazine, the Liberator.
Elizabeth Cady Stanton- A influential character to women’s rights,. She along with many other influential women and Fredrick Douglass supported and helped women gain rights.


Works Cited:
"Frederick Douglass - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. 6 Oct. 2009 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick
"Frederick Douglass." PBS. 6 Oct. 2009 <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4